Glean 1 and Glean 2 by Tom Stancliffe

Glean 1

Glean 2

  

Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men.  ~Chinese Proverb

During the arctic winter, we get used to the neutral colors of the grassless sod, the leafless branches of the trees and the grey of the snow mixing with the dirt and sand. Venturing out only when necessary, and even that we avoid at all cost due to the bitter cold wind, chilling to the bone. Then the weather gets a little warmer and being outside is bearable, and slowly becomes pleasant. Before we know it, small green shoots pop out of the blacken sod, brightly colored blossoms appear on the barren branches, and living creatures of all kinds suddenly appear. Spring has made its presence.

It is a time of growth, new beginnings and new life. It seems as if Mother Earth awoke from her hibernation and is ready to live and grow. The sun seems to shine brighter and warmer as if to welcome all the new life. Butterflies break through the cocoon, streaking their vibrant colors across the sky as they flutter from flower to flower. Birds return from faraway lands bringing their songs of joy that linger in the air from sunrise to sunset. Rabbits dart in and out of bushes playfully chasing one another.

Places that were barren just a week earlier are blooming in brilliance.  The gentle breeze blows through the tress. The magnolias send sweet perfume through the air. Petals float like feathers to the ground, lining the sidewalks as if a celebration has started. Indeed one has started. Spring is a celebration of life.

The population of humans seems to double as people leave the shelters that protected them during the harsh winter.    Dark layers of clothing disappear revealing brightly patterned clothing in its place. The loud calls and squeals of joy from the children, as they frolic in the park and in the field, fill the silence winter had acquired. Spring is brighter, louder, and happier.

This new feeling and celebration of life is seen in Tom Stancliffe’s Glean 1 and Glean 2 sculptures. They each show a seed sprouting revealing long, elegant stems. At the tips of the stems, colorful buds (Glean 1) and leaves (Glean 2) are seen. These brightly colored shapes contrast the cold grey of the metal, much like the bright green leaflets and colorful buds contrast the grey of winter.  These sculptures stand at the entrances of the Roy J. Carver Co-Laboratory reminding us that no matter how harsh or bleak the winter may be, spring is just around the corner waiting to bring new life and joy into the souls of all.

“O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?”- Shelly

 -By Emily Van Nostrand